Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill expands stalking laws and introduces a new crime called unauthorized location tracking to address privacy concerns regarding digital surveillance. The stalking provisions clarify that repeated acts intended to cause fear or emotional distress are criminal offenses, with penalties increasing to a felony for repeat offenders or those with prior violent convictions. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to use technology to monitor another person's location without permission, though it includes specific exceptions for law enforcement investigations, court-ordered supervision, and parents tracking their own children. These changes aim to provide clearer legal tools for protecting individuals from harassment and invasive tracking while allowing for legitimate uses like parental monitoring and fleet management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding inheritance to prevent individuals who kill others or commit elder abuse from profiting from their crimes. It specifically bars people convicted of murdering a victim or abusing an elderly person from receiving any property, benefits, or inheritance that would normally pass to them. The legislation treats these individuals as if they died before the victim for the purpose of distributing assets, while also defining specific rules for how shared property like joint accounts or tenancies are handled in these cases. By amending the state's decedents, estates, and fiduciaries statutes, the law ensures that assets left by victims go to their rightful heirs rather than to those who harmed them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private health insurers and state-managed health plans to cover biomarker testing when it is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a specific disease or condition. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of tissue, blood, or other biological samples to identify indicators of biological processes, while explicitly excluding coverage for general screening purposes. Coverage for these tests must follow the same rules as other medical services, including standard cost-sharing and medical necessity reviews, and the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to clarify definitions and establish rules for open enrollment. It defines "medicare supplement policies" to include specific group insurance plans while excluding those offered by certain employers, labor organizations, and professional associations. The legislation requires insurers to issue policies within one month of application and payment, prohibits discrimination based on health status or medical history, and limits preexisting condition exclusions for applicants with at least six months of prior coverage. These changes aim to standardize how these insurance products are sold and ensure broader access for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits service providers and vehicle lessors in Pennsylvania from charging early termination fees when a contract holder dies before the agreement ends. It directly affects families and estate administrators who need to cancel contracts for utilities, telecommunications, or car leases after a death. To enforce this, the law requires the executor of the estate to provide written notice along with a death certificate within 180 days, and providers must waive the fees upon receiving this documentation. Any company that charges these fees in violation of the act faces penalties under the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The rules apply to contracts signed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Italian-Americans to the region, noting that approximately 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have Italian ancestry. It serves as a commemorative recognition rather than a policy change, aiming to celebrate the community's legacy and ongoing impact on the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 2024 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition's impact on women's health. The bill urges federal officials to increase research funding, improve medical reimbursement for endometriosis surgeries, and establish a national awareness month. It also calls for better education of the public and medical professionals regarding the symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ride-share drivers in Pennsylvania to display specific identification markers on their vehicles while they are active on the platform or providing a ride. Drivers must show a company placard on the windshield and rear windows, along with a unique barcode and a credential card featuring their photo and license plate number on the rear side windows. These markers must be clearly visible during the day and illuminated at night, and drivers are responsible for returning them within 30 days of quitting. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating a uniform template for these identification items, which companies must then issue to their drivers. Failure to comply with these new display and record-keeping rules could result in fines imposed by the state commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to improve substance use overdose awareness by requiring the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to distribute educational posters in multiple languages. The department is authorized to cover the costs of printing and distributing these materials, which must be placed in conspicuous locations where permitted. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new grant program designed to support long-term recovery from substance use. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for drug and alcohol prevention and the communities they serve.